Air Traffic Control Equipment Is Essential To Navigate Skies Up In The High Towers
Since I work as a Flight Operation Officer, I got the opportunity to work closely with the prestigious air traffic control unit for so many years. I could learn about what they do, how they think in tough situations, and I could even learn about the air traffic control equipment they use everyday. So, in this article I will share with you the air traffic controller essential equipment these sky guardians use to keep airspace safe and efficient.
Important role of air traffic control equipment in protecting every airspace in the world
Most people do not know the work the air traffic controllers do in the tall control towers at airports to keep everyone safe in the sky. This dedicated team of professionals work with advanced technology to make sure every flight goes to their destination successfully. Thousands or sometimes millions of passengers’ lives depend on the way they guide aircrafts safely through the crowded airspace. And the air traffic controller essential equipment they use daily plays a crucial role in this entire process. Are you curious about this precious air traffic control room equipment? Keep reading.
What equipment do air traffic controllers use?
So, what are the ATC systems and equipment? Let me walk you through the air traffic control equipment list that forms the backbone of ATC operations. As I said before, every air traffic control room equipment below is very important to maintain air traffic safely and efficiently.
General Tools
- Controller Working Position (CWP)
The CWP has air traffic control radio equipment. Here you can find air-ground radios for communication on both main and backup frequencies.
- Closed Circuit Information System (CCIS)
If you are searching for air traffic controller essential equipment, you should count this in. It shows weather data, wind information, current air pressure setting, measured visibility, weather forecasts, aeronautical charts, NOTAM’s, and the status of all navigation equipment or restrictions in the airspace.
- The Clock
This syncs actions and makes sure timing in every operation is exact.
- Flight Progress Board (FPB) and Flight Progress Strips (FPS)
These show important flight data and lets controllers track and manage aircraft movements efficiently.
- Maps, Charts, and Quick-Reference Information Sheets
These provide a visual aid for a full overview of the airspace and flight details.
- On Line Data Interchange (OLDI) and Radar Displays
These offer important flight plan data and real-time updates.
Tower Control Operations
The air traffic control tower equipment is very important for controllers to manage the immediate airport environment.
- Tower Working Position
It is the heart of tower control operations.
- Barometric/Altimeter Setting Indicator (QNH)
This provides exact air pressure information to make sure all aircraft are at the right altitude after take-off.
- Binoculars
These enhance vision for closely watching aircraft movements.
- Lighting Control Panel
This operates all the runway lights, taxiway lights, touchdown zone lights, STOP-bar lights, and PAPI lights.
- RVR (Runway Visual Range) and Visibility Indicators
These provide real-time information about visibility on the runways.
- Pistol/Flare Gun and Signalling Lamp
These serve as emergency signaling devices.
- Wind Indicator
This provides information about wind direction and speed.
- Crash Alarm -button and Direct Audio Announcement System
This is in place for worst-case scenarios.
Approach Control Working Position
In here, controllers manage traffic flow as aircraft approach and depart from an airport.
- Radios, CCIS information system, OLDI -data connections, telephone systems, and weather displays
These equipment are similar to ones in the Tower.
- Radar
This gives controllers a full view of where aircraft are and helps them keep the right space between flights.
- Flight Data Processing System (FDPS), Surveillance Data Processing System (SDPS), and Multi-Radar Data Processing System (MRDPS)
Controllers use these equipment together with the Radar system.
- Short-Term Conflict Alert System (STCA) and Minimum Safe Altitude Warning System (MSAW)
These are built into the Radar system to give immediate alerts in critical situations.
- Automation Support Tools (AST)
These help controllers manage complex airspace scenarios.
Area Control Position
This is very similar to the Approach Control position. Here controllers manage vast expanses of airspace. Sometimes it is as large as an entire country.
- Radar System planning tools and Safety Nets
Controllers use these to maintain a safe, orderly, and quick traffic flow.
- AMAN – Arrival Manager
This calculates timings for aircraft arrivals.
- MTCD – Medium Term Conflict Detection system
This Calculates all the planned routes of the aircraft and alerts the controller if any of the projected flight paths might conflict.
- APW – Area Proximity Warning
This gives enough time to react to potentially dangerous airspace infringements.
Air traffic control system software
Air traffic control is a crucial job. So it needs so many systems and software to manage air traffic safely and efficiently with best accuracy.
NextGen is modernizing the skies
Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) is one of the biggest projects in the air traffic control field. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) handles this initiative. The FAA is using this system to modernize the U.S. National Airspace System (NAS).
Air traffic control software companies leading the way
There are several companies that provide advanced software solutions to manage air navigation and traffic control services.
Thales Group
This Paris based company specializes in empowering Controllers for tomorrow’s Air Traffic Management. Their special program “Better Skies Together” is designed to co-create ATM solutions with controllers.
Nav Canada
This is the leader of air navigation services in Canada. They offer a range of services including air traffic control, flight planning, weather information, and aviation safety.
Aerothai Co., Ltd.
This Thailand based company specializes in aviation communication. They offer various services related to air traffic control and radio communication.
NATS.aero
This company offers consultancy and delivery teams that cover all aspects of air traffic management. They handle 2.5 million flights and 250 million passengers annually in the UK airspace, and provide services in parts of Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
Innovation in action
Also, companies like Saab and Adacel are changing air traffic control with their innovative software solutions. Saab’s new Integrated ATC Suite (I-ATS) platform is changing modern air traffic control. It improves controllers’ situational overview and reduces their workload.
On the other hand, Adacel’s MaxSim ATC is the air traffic control simulator and training system trusted and selected by the FAA, US Air Force, U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), FAA Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) schools, civil airport authorities around the world, foreign military departments in Canada, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Sri Lanka and other countries.
Looking into the air traffic control equipment market
The air traffic control equipment market size is growing fast. Main reason for this is the exponential rise in global air travel. According to SNS Insider Research, the air traffic control equipment market size was worth US$ 9.56 billion in 2023. It is estimated to reach US$ 17.73 billion by 2032. It is projecting a substantial CAGR of 7.10% over the forecast period of 2024-2032.
More aircrafts in the sky
There are simply more airplanes flying than ever before, both commercial and private. So, now controllers need to use more and more advanced ATC equipment to manage a higher volume of traffic within the existing infrastructure.
Modernization
Also, the arrival of modern technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data processing capabilities in managing airspace environments has had a big influence on the market.
Air traffic control equipment manufacturers and suppliers
Today many established air traffic control equipment suppliers and manufacturers are thriving in the air traffic control equipment market. These are not in the market to just get their profits; they provide innovative solutions and technologies to improve airspace management, reduce delays, and optimize fuel consumption for airlines. Here is a list of the giants in the air traffic control equipment market.
- Thales
- LEMZ
- Harris
- Indra Sistemas
- Raytheon
- Cobham
- ANPC
- BAE Systems
- Northrop Grumman
- Frequentis
- Sierra Nevada
- Lockheed Martin
- Telephonics
- Siqura B. V.
- Aeronav
- Jezetek
- Wisesoft
- Glarun
Don’t put air traffic control equipment for sale. Instead try repairing them
Did you know there is a person that maintains and installs air traffic control communications, navigation aids, and landing systems? An air traffic control equipment repairer does it all. Here is what they do daily.
- Test air traffic control instruments, navigational controls, and simulators using electronic and electrical test air traffic control equipment
- Replace equipment parts like resistors, switches, and circuit boards.
- Do quality control measures
- Install and modify air traffic control communications and navigation aids systems
- Maintain air traffic control systems.
Air traffic control equipment repairer salary
The average salary for an air traffic control equipment repairer is US $65,322 per year.
Conclusion
Air traffic control systems cannot survive without two factors. They are human expertise and technological innovation. The air traffic control equipment we discussed in this article are at the center of any country’s ATC. These equipment have evolved over the years. Early days controllers had to use radars for everything. But now there are integrated digital systems. Yet, their main purpose hasn’t changed a bit. Like the controllers do, air traffic control equipment is always there to make sure aircraft movements through our airspace are safe and efficient.
